Watercolour Sketchbooks Review & Tour Of ALL My Paintings From The Beginning!

Рет қаралды 16,515

Күн бұрын

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In this video, I review 8 different sketchbooks I have used in my whole watercolour journey, show you the price, the thickness, the performance and of course, whether I will ever buy them again! From Canson XL, Etchr Lab, Stillman & Burn, Winsor & Newton, Moleskin and Strathmore! You will also get to have peak into my watercolour journey through these sketchbooks as you can see what my paintings looked like from the very beginning of my watercolour experience from September 2020 till now. Hope you enjoy this sketchbook review & tour combination!
Joly Poa's review of Khadi Sketchbook - • REVIEW: Khadi Journal ...
Download my FREE Mini-E Book "9 Secrets To Loose Florals" when you subscribe to my mailing list: www.crystaltanart.com/subscribe
Products featured in video:
Montmarte Sketchbook - amzn.to/3Oy2u70
Canson XL - amzn.to/45eDrNi
Winsor & Newton - amzn.to/3YxhgzI
Khadi - amzn.to/3s3LMVJ
Moleskin - amzn.to/4507MPD
Strathmore Visual Journal - amzn.to/3s1t157
Etchrlab - amzn.to/3YqX8Pz
Stillman & Burn Zeta Series (270gsm, bright white smooth) amzn.to/3OLhHmy
Stillman & Burn Gamma Series (150gsm, cream, cold press) amzn.to/3OLhJLc
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:14 Montmarte
03:03 Canson XL
04:50 Winsor & Newton
07:55 Khadi
11:50 Moleskin
13:38 Strathmore
15:48 Etchrlab
19:24 Stillman & Burn
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🖌️MY SUPPLIES
COLOURS
Art For Joy's Watercolour Paint Set amzn.to/3Kj5CCx
PAPER:
Saunders Waterford 100% Cotton 10x14 amzn.to/3KehntW
BRUSHES
Princeton Select Filbert Size 16 amzn.to/43MUF3o
Princeton 3/4 inches flat amzn.to/3FjZXtv
Princeton 1 inches Flat amzn.to/3FeGBG0
Princeton round size 6 amzn.to/3yyw4Sn
Princeton round size 10 amzn.to/3yzYX0m
Silver Black Velvet Round set I have amzn.to/405VxhP
FAV FLORAL REFERENCE BOOKS
Flower Colour Guide amzn.to/3Mv1JfB
Flower Colour Theory amzn.to/3GsGIP3
The Book Of Flowers amzn.to/3ZRVbuF
🎥 MY KZfaq GEAR
Mic: Rode Wireless Go 2 amzn.to/3MIwpdi
Camera: IPhone14ProMax
Lights: Godox es45 Sport Key Light amzn.to/3mz7bnb
Table: Phone Clamp amzn.to/419t8Ir
Editing Software: iMovie
Music: Epidemic Sound - Get 30Day Free Trial share.epidemicsound.com/vw1ww3
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting Crystal Tan Art so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!

Пікірлер: 103

@pjlewisful 3 ай бұрын

I like how you don't dwell so long on each page like some you-tubers.

@crystaltanart 2 ай бұрын

Haha thank u! Glad it was appreciated :)

@angelarenae4188 12 күн бұрын

I got the Stillman and Birn, the Beta and the Zeta, they are both great. One is white and the other is a little off white. I love the sizes and you can take them anywhere and the watercolor dries faster so you can move on to the next page. But, the paper seems better than other non-cotton papers. Great review. :) thank you! 🙏

@sheilacym 11 ай бұрын

This is such a great video, Crystal ! Thank you for sharing your art journey in your sketch books and the art work /practice pieces and all sorts. Please be assured…..they are all really, really lovely !!!! I have also been trying out the different papers and sketch books / single sheets, etc. etc……so your review here is very helpful indeed, especially to hear your honest feedback about these particular brands. Thank you once again and all the very best for your future success ! Hope you soon feel better from that cold….I hear from my son who lives in Australia, that there are lots of colds and viruses going around at the moment .

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Thank you SO MUCH. I don't feel confident or brave enough to do a video that is focused on tour of my early work, so I think I am testing waters by making a 'sketchbook review' video. HAHAHA. Thank you so much. I am recovering well now! That cough had me for about 2 weeks! XXX

@ServeLearnTeach 11 ай бұрын

I enjoy your flip-throughs, they brighten my smile and inspire me.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Donna!!!! X You're too kind.

@phoenixawakenedpodcast 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for this review, it's so nice to hear someone talk about supplies from Melbourne 😄

@crystaltanart 10 ай бұрын

Yay cool! I know, it's nice to hear local info once in a while in this youtube world! :)

@jessicataylor3819 11 ай бұрын

I’ve recently found the Pentalic sketchbook and I love it!

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Cool ! I search online now for it.

@donnahenry3772 11 ай бұрын

That's the one I am using right now. I really like it, too!

@ivi122 11 ай бұрын

Yay! I’ve been wanting a tour of your paintings and I’m glad you did it! Your paintings are so beautiful even the ones from 2020-2021

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Aw thank u! I think I was afraid to do a proper sketchbook tour because I was maybe a bit embarrassed to show my older paintings. So I did it disguised as a sketchbook review! hahaha.

@ivi122 11 ай бұрын

@@crystaltanart haha I get it. However, don’t be embarrassed because even your older ones are GORGEOUS. Seriously beautiful

@whosaidcate4034 11 ай бұрын

Yes 🙌🏼 Loved this content-very helpful and inspiring ❕ Great art work. I really enjoyed the gorgeous flowers.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

@@ivi122 So kind xx

@lydialee2023 11 ай бұрын

Love going down the memory lane with you today, so fun to look back, I just finished a sketchbook, maybe I will film a similar one myself. X

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Oh nice! I didnt know you paint on sketchbooks! Coz you always post your paintings as mock ups on frames!

@majella6045 4 күн бұрын

Thank you for your post Crystal - I am still looking for the perfect sketchbook myself, so this was helpful. I have some W&N and a Canson one of the way, so it will be interesting what I think! Not sure if you are aware, but Jackson Art have opened a store in Australia - in Adelaide - so you can buy products from them locally online. Also you mentioned about the colours not looking as sharp, I think in the Etcher - now, this is my first post of yours I have watched, so you probably already know this - but you may prefer working on hot press watercolour paper - it is great for botanical art and fine detail - and apparently the colours look brighter. I look forward to watching more of your posts. Happy painting!

@crystaltanart 2 күн бұрын

Oh my thanks for the Jackson Art in Adelaide info! I had no idea :) And as for the Etchrlab - It hasn't even occured to me to try the hotpress. Because usually I like cold press. But I may give it a go! Thank u!

@impish22 11 ай бұрын

thanks for sharing, enjoyed all the paintings

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

My pleasure 😊

@juliart5 11 ай бұрын

Hi Crystal! Thank you for the nice review! I am a huge sketchbook fan as it is the best way for me to keep my paintings not flying around the house. :) Because you talked a lot about the vibrancy of colours, I can recommend the german brand Hahnemuehle. Its a paper company :) and they have all kinds of sketchbooks. For water colour they have Cellulsose and 100% Cotton paper. I started with the cheaper Cellulose 200 gsm (A5 about 33 AUD for 60 pages/ 30 sheets) and the vibrancy of the colours is just perfect. For bleeding however the 100% Cotton is much better.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Thanks! I know many artists who love Hahnemuehle and will certainly be on the list for me to try! Yes retaining vibrancy is so important. Is that your fav brand?

@juliart5 11 ай бұрын

@@crystaltanart I only tryed Canson, Moleskine, Rembrandt and Hahnemühle, but out of these 4, Hahnemuehle is defenetly my fav. :)

@brushmovement 11 ай бұрын

Super fun to see! I love how you used sketchbooks! I didn't realise u were a sketchbook painter cos I always see ur paintings in loosesheets! Anyway I love it. I recommend the hahnmuehle that I am using. I quite like it!

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

I ONLY RECENTLY started on sketchbooks again. I took a long long break because I think I was impatient to wait for it to dry. So I think when I met you, I didn't really paint on sketchbooks since then till now again! I must try the Hahnemule one a lot of people have said. Did you get the 100% cotton one ?

@Lexi-cl1pr 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the review always love seeing your art it’s so beautiful!! I’ve been loving the Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor. For my next sketchbook I really want to get a handmade one from Etsy I’ve seen several sellers that bind Arches paper into a book and I am so curious to try it!

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

I have seen those! And would love to try one of those Etsy ones. I will search out the Strathmore ones. I think ive seen it at my art shop, but thought it was pretty pricey.

@E4Alabbasy 11 ай бұрын

Thank you it is very helpful and answered some of my questions about some of these sketchbooks 🥰 I like khadi papers for practices, I about their a3 10 sheets I think for 8 pounds and made a sketchbook out of them to practice florals and minimum strokes as many artists mentioned the paper can't handle many washes.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Thanks!!! Maybe one day I will get into Khadi. But for now, I feel my paintings look quite rubbish on them :PPP

@safiyyahstudios 8 ай бұрын

I found this video so helpful, I don't use sketchbooks but I will start using them after this video

@crystaltanart 8 ай бұрын

Have fun! Sketchbooks are a fun thing to just do with absolutely no pressure. :)

@VisualMind 2 ай бұрын

I'm currently forcing myself to finish my "perfect sketchbook" from Etchr and personally I think the paper is way too rough. It has a heavy texture and it doesn't feel very pleasant to point on compared to smoother paper. It is a good sketchbook but not worth that heavy price point. My favorite ones are from Hahnemühle so far! I'm thinking about making a similar video since I've used lots of sketchbooks over the years 😁

@crystaltanart 2 ай бұрын

I need to try the hahnemule one cos alot of people love it. Do u use the 100% cotton one? Yup the etchr everyday one is not as great. But Im just trying to use it up like u! And I trash it with lots of mix media so it doesnt feel wasted.

@ankejacobs4649 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video, I loved it 😁

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@lynleyshort2758 Ай бұрын

Beautiful art work.

@crystaltanart Ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

@andreaharutunian3838 11 ай бұрын

Love this review because I've found the kind of paper they use in the sketchbook REALLY MATTERS... thx for sharing...

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

yes it matters so much! Glad you liked the video!

@PaulaScardamalia 11 ай бұрын

I like the Stillman & Birn Beta for watercolor, and Hahnemuehle's 100% Cotton sketchbooks. Thanks for the review.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

I am a total stillman and birn convert now. I need to try the Beta. Its white but cold press right? And yes so many people have recommended hahnemuhle!

@meldixon1918 11 ай бұрын

Beta series is on my list to try!

@crystaltanart 2 ай бұрын

Join me for a 5 week LIVE course with Penn Art Studio this September 2024 - Recreating Vintage Florals with Watercolour - www.crystaltanart.com/onlinecourses

@tiinalilja4023 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for a wonderful KZfaq channel and for an interesting review. I use the Arches Travel Journal and love it but would also like to try Etchr if possible but it is expensive to order one to Sweden.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

I have never seen Arches journal before. Etchr is free delivery worldwide actually if you order directly from their website!

@nicolesmith1309 11 ай бұрын

I really love Paul Reuben hot press 100% cotton. About to order the cold pressed to see if I like it.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Few people said that too already! I must try then!

@LindaMW 10 ай бұрын

Interesting. Thank you. I like the Canson too-for the price it functions well.

@crystaltanart 10 ай бұрын

Cranston!? Havent heard of that. Will check out. Thanks!!!

@azzuparis 11 ай бұрын

I enjoyed this review and it was lovely to see you early work.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! I may be braver one day and do a proper walk down memory lane video of all early paintings. SO many are so cringey to me now, it's hard to speak about them. But I need to get over that.

@azzuparis 11 ай бұрын

@@crystaltanart I totally understand about early work. When I look at my old paintings I do cringe too but it makes me see how I grow in my journey. At the same time, I don't know if I could show them to someone 😅

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

@@azzuparis Haha mostly I think - I can't believe I thought this was SO GOOD! hahaha.

@azzuparis 11 ай бұрын

@@crystaltanart ahahaha same here

@melitalyell6915 10 ай бұрын

The handbook company make lovely sketchbooks and the fabriano Venezia (I think that’s how’s it’s spelt🥴). I’m in Australia too so nice to hear another artist talk about art materials that we can get here. I didn’t like the moleskine either, way over priced for the quality. If you are looking for cheap and cheerful (but not bad) there is Millini and derivan. Happy painting 😊

@crystaltanart 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the recommendations! WIl look out for them!!!

@Better_Than_I_Ever_Was 6 ай бұрын

I haven’t been painting watercolour for very long. When I first started, I ordered Paul Rubens paints and paper. I had no idea really, about paper quality, etc. Since then I’ve tried other paints and paper….but Paul Rubens is still my favourite.

@crystaltanart 6 ай бұрын

Paul Rubens is great!

@iamjosephdavidson 2 ай бұрын

Great video🥰 the only thing is you missed the Menorah sketchbook I guess😄 It' really good I mean the paper quality is top notch no ghosting would go with Menorah anytime

@crystaltanart 2 ай бұрын

I have never heard of it! Will google it now.

@CraftSchoolOz 9 ай бұрын

Have you tried making your own sketchbook ? That is lots of fun !

@crystaltanart 9 ай бұрын

Hey Ruth! Glad to chat with you over here! I haven't before actually, but have seen a few videos on book binding and it seems like a really lovely satisfying project. :)

@krabfingers8473 11 ай бұрын

I wanted to try Strathmore’s Mixed Media Visual Journal because of the cotton content too. Hearing your opinion on it, I’m fine with not having it haha. Canson XL watercolor paper does not do it for me, however their thinner mixed media sketchbooks do. I like the middle option best, it’s thin but not too thin: it’s the Canson XL Mixed Media Rough sketchbook. The regular mixed media is thinner and frustrates me. I think the paper weight for the “rough” mixed media is 185 gsm. It handles watercolor just the way I like it and I don’t need to worry about wasting good paper. I made my own A5-ish cotton sketchbooks from full sheets and while it’s cheaper than buying the premade sketchbooks, I guess the high quality paper makes me nervous to paint on them.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the recommendation! Canson XL Rough Mixed media was it? I will look out for it!

@tabbi888 11 ай бұрын

I have the etchr hot pressed sketchbooks and find they have wonderfully sharp edges and textures. I think it maybe the texture on the cold press that's causing the difference in edge quality. Maybe try the hot pressed versions if you are interested in sharper edges while retaining the benefits of bright colours and a lovely flow.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

That makes so much sense. Good idea. I am enjoying the hot pressed stillman and burn. So why not try the HP etchr!

@reneechelsawatercolors 11 ай бұрын

I totally agree with you about the Etchr sketchbooks. There's just something about them that make me like the paintings a little less than I feel like I should. My favorite watercolor sketchbook is the 100% cotton watercolor sketchbooks by Hahnemuhle. The vibrancy does absorb into them a little bit... but theres something dreamy about the way it does it!

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

So many people have recommended Hahnemuhle (so hard to spell!). And I need to try!!!!! I hope they have portrait though, coz I dont like landscape!

@reneechelsawatercolors 11 ай бұрын

@@crystaltanart they do have portrait! I also like the simple black cover, easy to put stickers on.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

@@reneechelsawatercolors Ok must try!

@a.humphries8678 6 ай бұрын

I've just discovered hem too, but they're so expensive.

@reneechelsawatercolors 6 ай бұрын

@@a.humphries8678they are 😞 I have managed to grab a couple on sale though!

@pamelajarvis7728 7 ай бұрын

Splashed out on the Perfect sketchbook and even with a slight discount it was expensive as you say!! However it is far superior to the one you tried. Can’t get on with the white ones and as one viewer said, I always think I should like it more than I do 🤣. Great video with helpful comments. Thanks so much 👍.

@crystaltanart 7 ай бұрын

Good to know I'm not the only one who feels that about the everyday sketchbook (the white one), Maybe one day I will splurge on the Perfect Sketchbook!

@lisaannef 11 ай бұрын

I still haven't found one I like. Stillman & Birn has been very disappointing so far for me. I am looking forward to trying my Strathmore 400 and Etchr sketchbooks. Everyone has different needs and preferences so it's nice to get others opinions as well. Thanks for your reviews.

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Good luck in your search! Its very disappointing to buy one, then use the first page and realise you hate it. Coz then, you know you'll HAVE to use the rest of it to not waste it and it may be 40 more disappointing paintings you'll make haha.

@heartyinspirations 10 ай бұрын

I thank you for the video! I’ve had the same experience with Khadi sketchbooks as well as their A5/A6 size paper. I tried the 600 gsm I’ve had problems with mould. Maybe it was something I did?… not sure 😮. But yeah, I also found the colours to be dull and I thought it was my fault until I tried another brand 😊

@crystaltanart 10 ай бұрын

I know right, that feeling when you think its your fault that a painting looks bad. When its not you, but the supplies you use!

@annettenorman8173 6 ай бұрын

Thank you, I found this very informative. Do any of your videos address watercolor and gouache?? I'm so confused!

@crystaltanart 5 ай бұрын

Not yet! I don’t know enough of gouache to really speak authoritatively about.

@reneecailloux2573 11 ай бұрын

Your paintings are lovely. Got a bit distracted looking at them instead of listening your comments about the papers 🙂Although I did notice that you talked about the Visual Journal that I really like but I'm not at your level to notice the differences in brightness. I am still skittish using any paper bigger than A5. I even tend to use very small sketchbooks. Any ideas how to get bold and waste a whole big page of paper? 😅

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

I hear you. As you saw, I started at A5 as well. I suggest just slowly working your way up. And as you increase your paper size, increase the brush size too. So with A4 paper, you can start using a size 8/10 brush. Then as you go up to 9x12, use an even bigger brush. I totally understand your inertia and hesitance. I am trying to convince myself to start a series that's on half a full size watercolour sheet - 22 x 15. I have the paper and big brushes and everything on standby! But I just can't get started! The advise is... Just do it.

@kimrigney6607 6 ай бұрын

Thank you

@crystaltanart 6 ай бұрын

Welcome!

@alison64able 11 ай бұрын

I am finding it a challenge to get sketchbooks here in South Africa that have good paper and are a reasonable price. I ended up making my own. R50 as opposed to R600. Incomparable

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Totally understand! I love it when I see homemade sketchbooks! Double the creativity.

@barbaraellingsen4997 9 ай бұрын

I have really enjoyed using the US Art Supply sketchbooks I purchased on Amazon. They are 230gsm, lightly textured, colors stay vibrant and blend well. They come in a two pack for less than $20US, and so are very inexpensive. They don’t specify what the paper is made of, so I assume it is cellulose. I also have used Canson, Strathmore and Arteza sketchbooks, and the US Art supply ones are by far my favorites.

@crystaltanart 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for the tip! But I am assuming that shipping to the US is going to be expensive so I don't think I can afford to try them!

@barbaraellingsen4997 9 ай бұрын

What is available in Australia is probably quite different from what is available in the US. Maybe some of your American subscribers will be able to use this information. Thanks for your very helpful and informative videos.

@juliasartchannel4577 11 ай бұрын

Hello!!! I’ve heard a lot of good comments about Paul Rubens watercolour SB. I saw it just in Amazon. 100% cotton hot press. Not cheap… And Moleskin… yes… don’t exited. Don’t know why. Maybe when you start to paint, the paper starts blinking and and it’s difficult to continue

@crystaltanart 11 ай бұрын

Good to know!

@PunjabiHumanitarian 10 ай бұрын

S&b never fails...but paying over $30 (even that is a bit much) for a sketchbook just sounds excessive and not at a reasonable thing to do as much as I love sketchbooks. Loose paper is always the best way to go for finished pieces if you want to sell your art someday, and sketchbooks only for play/practice.

@crystaltanart 10 ай бұрын

Totally agree!

@BushcraftEurope 6 ай бұрын

Can you even paint landscapes, urban setup, people, animals, anything that is not a flower? I thought this will be a video of someone progressing in painting

@crystaltanart 6 ай бұрын

Unbelievably rude comment no? If you do not like my flower paintings, feel free to not watch them.

@gglydie4242 5 ай бұрын

An artist can progress by painting the same subject over and over. Monet's water lilies & Van Gogh's haystacks are two examples, and for Crystal it's her flowers. I think they are beautiful and it's her channel so she can paint and share whatever makes her happy.

@BushcraftEurope 5 ай бұрын

@@gglydie4242 da, da, da, da ..

@crystaltanart 5 ай бұрын

Thank u. @@gglydie4242

@gabestorm7150 Ай бұрын

Too much paper descriptions,good intentions,come on, your art is good,show it more!!!!!!!

@crystaltanart Ай бұрын

Hey Gabe! this video was meant to be a review of sketchbooks with a peak of my paintings. I have videos dedicated to the art in the sketchbooks! There's one coming out next week - a sketchbook tour of my recent paintings. thanks!!